Memorial services for Mr. Joe Lee Blanks of LaFayette will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Abanda Methodist Church with Brother Danny McGouirk officiating.

Mr. Blanks passed away on Tuesday, July 7, at his residence.

Survivors include: his wife, Emma Blanks of LaFayette, one daughter Jerri Ison (Jerome) of LaFayette, two Granddaughters, LeAnna Gillenwaters (Joey) of LaFayette, Lindsey Ison of Wetumpka, two great-grandchildren Joseph and Jordan Gillenwaters of LaFayette, one sister Joyce Ballard of Abanda and many nieces and nephews.

An Abanda native, Mr. Blanks was born on August 30, 1944 in LaFayette, AL. He was an active member of Abanda Methodist Church and he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Mr. Blanks was self-employed in the logging industry all of his life. After retiring, he enjoyed serving as a Chambers County Commissioner. Earlier in life, he drove a race car at many of the dirt tracks in the surrounding area. He loved watching Nascar and playing cards and dominoes with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Blanks and Mary Emma Blanks.

Donations in his memory may be made to Abanda Methodist Church or Mt. Zion Baptist Church Children’s fund.

Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette, Al